Potential Steelers trade scenarios ahead of the NFL trade deadline

Julio Jones

Wide receiver Tennessee Titans

With the emergence of Pat Freiermuth for the Steelers, it is obvious he is being groomed for the number one position considering he took the starting job from Ebron. Then take into consideration the massive drop in Ebron’s productivity this season; he, in a realistic sense, could be expendable.

Add in the injury to JuJu and the fact Tennessee could still utilize another tight end; it could be a scenario the Steelers explore. Granted, Julio was once a top receiver, but he is at the end of his career. However, he could still command respect if incorporated into the Steelers’ offense and could still prove to be a useful weapon in Big Ben’s arsenal.

Especially with the Absence of JuJu. With Claypool and Johnson pulling double coverage in many cases, it could leave Jones in a favorable matchup allowing him to get open on some plays. It’s conceivable he could net the Steelers a few first downs to extend a drive or a touchdown or two.

If a trade occurs, it’s because the Steelers feel they lose nothing by giving up Ebron and gain more, and by having him on the team upset their AFC North foes gain and ground and perhaps snatch a wild card berth.  However, the downside is Julio would be gone after the season ends, and the trade would only help shore up what they lost with JuJu’s injury.